MUSIC

By Michael Swanger

Looking at the multitude of musical offerings found in Iowa this summer, it might be easy for the casual observer to assume that the state’s live music scene is healthier than ever.

That’s partially true.

Yes, live music offerings increase during warm weather months as makeshift stages (farmers markets, community celebrations), outdoor festivals and seasonal concert series crop up with nearly as much abundance as Iowa sweet corn because event organizers realize that live music helps draw customers. But the empty half of the glass reminds us that people’s disposable incomes are likely being rerouted to help pay for gas and groceries as record-setting oil and food prices will challenge even the most die-hard music lover to reconsider a road trip to see their favorite band.

With that said, if you cherish live music like we do, you need to put your money where your mouth is this summer because it might affect next summer’s lineups. That includes frequenting concerts to show promoters and club owners that you also believe live music is an important part of the fabric of a community, and you can do so by buying tickets, CDs, T-shirts and other things that support musicians and the music industry. Again, we realize times are tough, but the thought of less live music is difficult to fathom — especially during the summer.

The following is a sampling of shows, organized by venue or event that can be found throughout the state through the end of August. It is not an inclusive list, as many shows have yet to be announced. Read Cityview each week for the most comprehensive music calendar in Central Iowa, new announcements and concert previews.

SUMMER CALENDAR

Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Downtown Adel
Aug. 9 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, Remnant Christian Blues Band, Exit 113, Toaster

Beaverdale Live!
Between Beaver Avenue and Sheridan Drive in Urbandale.
Free. http://www.beaverdale.org
June 14 — Faculty Lounge

Belin String Quartet
Fridays, 12:15 p.m. Free
Downtown Des Moines
280-4020
http://www.civicmusic.org

May 30, June 13, 20, 27,
July 11, 18 — Nollen Plaza
June 6, July 25, Aug. 1 — Downtown Library Lawn

Big Country Bash
Water Works Park
Free-$125
331-9200
http://www.bigcountrybash.com
June 29 — Sawyer Brown, Phil Vasser, Heidi Newfield, The Lost Trailers, Emily West, Jason Brown

Bike Night
Downtown Indianola
6 – 10 p.m. Free
http://www.bikedowntoitown.com
June 20 — Insane Jane
July 18 — The Likely Suspects
Aug. 15 — Station 803.com

Bike Night in Baxter
O’Kelly’s Steak and Pub, Baxter, 108 Main St.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free
(641) 227-3013
June 4 — Craig Swalwell
June 13 — Billy Lee Janey
June 18 — Joe Price
June 25 — Dave Guiternoski
July 9 — Scarlet Runner
July 16 — Legacy
July 23 — Damon Fowler

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
LeClaire Park and Col Ballroom, Davenport
$5-$24
(563) 324-7170
http://www.bixsociety.org
July 24-27 — High Sierra Jazz Band, Randy Sandke’s NY All Stars, New Wolverine Jazz Orchestra, more

Bluegrass Tuesdays
Warren County Courthouse lawn, Indianola
6:30 p.m. Free
June 3 — Castle Ridge Bluegrass
June 10 — Maalek’s Fisherman Polka
June 17 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Fine Line Bluegrass
June 24 — E. Court Hill Street Band
July 1 — Monroe Crossing
July 8 — Faris Family Bluegrass
July 10 — Bluegrass Fools, We’re Fools for Bluegrass
July 15 — McPunk Brothers, Bob Black
July 22 — Bluegrass Pals
July 29 — Bluegrass Fools, We’re Fools for Bluegrass, Bittersweet Revival

Blues Before Sunset
East Locust Street in front of State Historical Building
Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free
281-4011
http://www.culturalaffairs.org
June 6 — Hot Tamale & the Red Hots
June 13 — Andy Schneider One Man Blues Band
June 20 — Blues Bureau
June 27 — Jonny and the Rectifiers
July 11 — Lady Blue
July 18 — The Bob Pace Band with Steve George
July 25 — Erick Hovey Band
Aug. 1 — Bo Ramsey

Blues on Grand
1501 Grand Ave.
244-3092
http://www.bluesongrand.com
June 6 — Ron Thompson and the Resistors
June 7 — Bryan Lee
June 13 — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
June 14 — Brandon Scott Sellner
June 20 — Pistol Pete
June 21 — Harper
June 26 — Live broadcast Mike Zito
June 27 — Sumpin’ Doo
June 28 — Kevin Burt & the Instigators
July 2 — Ana Popovic
July 9 — Tinsley Ellis
July 10 — Eric Sardinas
July 11 — E.C. Scott
July 16 — Charlie Musselwhite
July 23 — Juke Joint Duo
July 26 —Jason Ricci
Aug. 1 — Nick Moss
Aug. 8 — John Nemeth
Aug. 9 — Perry Weber & the Devilles
Aug. 13 — Candy Kayne
Aug. 15 — Scott Ellison
Aug. 16 — Debbie Davies

Bowlful of Blues
Maytag Bowl, Newton
http://www.southskunkblues.org
1 p.m. Tickets TBA.
June 28 — Hot Tamale and the Red Hots, Rob Lumbard, Thunderbird Kingsley, Jeff Banks and the Pain Killers, Sumpin’ Doo, Watermelon Slim and the Workers.

Cityview Brewfest
322 3rd St.
Across from Science Center of Iowa
3-8 p.m. $25.
June 14 — Mooseknuckle, Brother Trucker

Camp Euforia
Lone Tree, 5335 Utah Ave.
$40 two-day pass
http://www.campeuforia.com
July 11-12 — Public Property, Cornmeal, Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, Hunab, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Bumpus, The Gglitch, The Diplomats of Solid Sound, Fat Maw Rooney, Family Groove Co., Uniphonics, We Funk, Max Eubank and Friends, The Beaker Brothers, Jim and Mary Grosso, Euforquestra

Clive After Five
Linnan Park, Clive
Fridays, 5 p.m. Free
http://www.cliveafterfive.com
May 30 — Josh Davis Band
June 6 — Standing Hampton
June 13 — Gimikk
June 27 — Toaster
July 11 — SNAFU
July 18 — 35 South
July 25 — North of Grand
Aug. 1 — The Nadas

Clive Festival
Clive Aquatics Center, 1801 N.W. 114th St.
Free
http://www.clivefestival.com
June 19 — Comfort Zone
June 20 — Toaster
June 21 — The Jesters, Standing Hampton

College Hill Arts Festival
UNI Campus, 23rd and College streets
Cedar Falls, Free
http://www.chaf.cfu.net
July 18-19 — Acts TBA

Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery
Stuart, 515-523-2199
http://www.dalevalleyvineyard.com
June 7 — Crosswind
July 12 — “Winestock” with Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, The Soul Searchers, Shadow Chasers, Bob Saar & Friends, Crosswind
July 14 — Gabrielle Louise
Aug. 2 — Brother Trucker
Aug. 30 — Trouble No More

Des Moines Arts Festival
Western Gateway Park
Downtown Des Moines, Free
http://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org
U.S. Cellular Stage
June 27 — Truth Be Told, North of Grand, Public Property
June 28 — BeJae Fleming Duo, Barb Miller Band, Little Mojo, Hyentyte, Gumbohead, Josh Davis Band
June 29 — Pumptown, Rob Lumbard, Peter Mulvey, Old School

Meredith Stage
June 27 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns, True North, Swing Crew
June 28 — Highway Home Bluegrass Band, Roxi Copland Band, Deja Voodoo, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, Lady Blue
June 29 — Johnny Cash Tribute, Driftwood Fire, Pocket Full of Nickels, Gladys Kravitz
Performing Arts Stage
June 27 — Michael Whisler, Roberto the Magnificent, Hot Club of Des Moines, Java Jews
June 28 — Mundus, Bill Robison, Ryan Collier, Switchback, Lamajamal
June 29 — Ecuador Manta, Des Moines Symphony Academy Flute Choir and String Quartet

80/35 Festival
Western Gateway Park, downtown Des Moines
$30 or $50
http://www.80-35.com, http://www.desmoinesmc.com
July 4-5 — The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Yonder Mountain String Band, Drive-By Truckers, Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Cracker, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, The Envy Corps, Dirty Little Rabbits, Jade Reed, The Dig Angees, Tim Grimes, Ezra Furman, Brad Goldman, DJ Diverse, The Autumn Project, Maxilla Blue, Public Property, Poison Control Center, Radio Moscow, Euforquestra, Deanna Devore, Jaiser Cartel, Family Groove Co., Colourmusic, Headlights, Ingrid Michaelson, Black Francis

El Bait Shop
200 S.W. 2nd St.
284-1970
June 1 — Aquamarine Dream Machine
June 4 — Lonesome Traveler Bluegrass Band
June 8 — MooseKnuckle
June 11 — Sour Diesel
June 14 — Cityview Brewfest with Brother Trucker & MooseKnuckle
June 15 — Andy Schneider
June 18 — Lady Blue
June 22 — Truth Be Told
June 25 — Sour Diesel
June 29 — Adobanga
July 2 — Kent Brothers
July 6 — Harmonic Order
July 9 — Sour Diesel
July 13 — NeuMoniker
July 16 — Truth Be Told
July 20 — Uniphonics
July 23 — Sour Diesel
July 27 — Taste of Revival
July 30 — Deep Dickens
Aug. 3 — Pink Monkey
Aug. 6 — Sour Diesel
Aug. 10 — Creek Dwellers
Aug. 17 — MooseKnuckle

Englert Theater
221 E. Washington St., Iowa City
(319) 688-2653
http://www.englert.org
July 1 — Jason Reeves and Friends
Aug. 8 — Mark Shultz

515 Alive Urban Music & Arts Festival
Downtown Des Moines
http://www.515alive.com
http://www.myspace.com/515alive
July 26 — Acts TBA

First Federated Church
25th Street and University Avenue
June 22 — Peter Mayer

Friday Fest
Walker-Johnston Sports Complex
9000 Douglas Ave., Urbandale
4:45-8 p.m. $6
276-3246
http://www.friday-fest.com
May 30 — Bob Dorr and the Blue Band
June 6 — Justin Kesterson & Rude Mood
June 13 — Deja Voodoo
June 20 — Flipside
June 27 — 3 AM Band
July 11 — Jemstate
July 18 — Small Town Superheroes
July 25 — Throwing Toast
Aug. 1 — Stone Thro
Aug. 8 — Bob’s Garage Band
Aug. 15 — Trips
Aug. 22 — The Heartbeats

Friday Fest Homegrown in Iowa Music Series
Downtown Perry
5:30 p.m. Free
(515) 465-4601
http://www.perryia.org
June 20 — Mike and Amy Finders
July 18 — The Black Diamond Band
Aug. 15 — Pocket Full of Nickels

Friday Night Concert Series
Pedestrian Plaza, downtown Iowa City
6:30-9:30 p.m. Free
(319) 337-7944
http://www.summerofthearts.org
May 30 — Big Wooden Radio, Euforquestra
June 13 — Grooveship
June 20 — The Recliners
June 27 — Jazz Camp Combos
July 4 — Iowa City Jazz Festival
July 11 — The Beaker Brothers
July 18 — Lake Street Drive
July 25 — The Rod Pierson Band
Aug. 1 — The Mayflies
Aug. 8 — Ben Soltau Project, Dead Larry
Aug. 15 — Orquestra Alto Maiz
Aug. 22 — Samba Noso and The Gglitch
Aug. 29 — The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Fridays at the Fountain
West Glen Town Center
I-35 and Mills Civic Parkway,
West Des Moines
5 p.m. $5
223-7885
http://www.westglentowncenter.com
May 30 — Dick Prall
June 6 — Towncrier
June 13 — Bound2Be
June 20 — Hello Dave
June 27 — Jemstate
July 4 — Final Mix
July 11 — Bob Pace Band
July 18 — Fat Andy band
July 25 — Tony Valdez Band

Greens and Blues Fest
Toad Valley Golf Course
6 p.m. Free
967-9575
http://www.toadvalleygolfcourse.com
May 31 — The Soul Searchers
June 14 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

Hessen Haus
101 Fourth St.
288-2520
June 6 — Bill Konkar
June 14 — Stratfor Rhythm Ramblers
June 20 — Bob Pace Band
June 27 — Obsidian’s Dream
July 4 — Dr. Gonzo
July 5 — Bob Malek’s Fishermen
July 11 — Mr. Baber’s Neighbors
July 19 — Barefoot Becky
July 26 — Bill Konkar
Aug. 2 — Barry Boyce Band
Aug. 15 — One Night Stand
Aug. 16 — Stratford Rhythm Ramblers
Aug. 23 — Bob Malek’s Fishermen

House of Bricks
525 E. Grand Ave.
727-4370
http://www.thehouseofbricks.com
May 30 — The Capote Flat, Cell Division, Just My Luck
May 31 — Odium, Only, Calous
June 5 — The Vandon Arms, Deals Gone Bad, Lookout Loretta
June 6 — Tempest Rose, 3 Pill Morning
June 7 — Agony of Defeat, Dead Horse Trauma, Dying Eyes, Finacl Escape, Sordid
June 8 — Dirty Penny, Lyin’ Heart, Wild Rose
June 9 — Johnnyrook
June 12 — Tub Ring, Divided We Stand
June 13 — Soulever
June 14 — US Air Guitar Championships
June 15 — Valencia, Tready of Paris, Finding the Warren
June 15 — Kristie Stremmel, Betsy West, The Honeybees
June 21 — The Song Remains the Same
June 25 — Psychostick, Powerglove, Look What I Did
June 27 — Spoken
June 28 — June Jam
July 1 — The Big Spank, Ska Band Go
July 9 — Dorian Gray
July 10 — Steve Robinson and the Foundation
July 11 — Sordid, Amerimage
July 12 — Only, Dying Eyes, Blue Felix, Grinwire
July 12 — Croaked Halo, Caustic Vision
July 18 — Douglas Acres
July 19 — Mindrite
July 19 — Only
Aug. 3 — Rieman Music Garage Band Recital
Aug. 3 — Four Word Cause, Avery, JV Allstars
Aug. 9 — The Vandon Arms, Here’s My Chance

Iowa City Jazz Festival
Downtown Iowa City. Free
(319) 337-7944
http://www.icjazzfest.org
July 4 — United Jazz Ensemble, Sam Salomone Trio, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Grooveship, Koplant No
July 5 — Euforquestra, Garaj Mahal, Bonerama, John Scofield Trio and the ScoHorns, Oatts Boys, Dave Altmeier Group, Checker & the Blue Tones, Executive Lunch, Fresh Hair
July 6 — Rod Pierson Big Band, Brent Sandy Quartet, Jenny Scheinman, Joshua Redman Trio, Silver Swing Band, Katie Roche, Local Clamor, Three Page Fives, Group X

Iowa Speedway
Newton
(866) 787-8946
http://www.iowaspeedway.com
June 21 — Drake Bell
June 22 — Blue Oyster Cult
July 20 — Firehouse
Aug. 10 — Heartland

Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fairgrounds
(800) 545-FAIR
http://www.iowastatefair.org
Grandstand
Aug. 7 — Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Matthew West
Aug. 8 — Josh Turner, Craig Morgan
Aug. 9 — Rick Springfield, Patty Smyth and Scandal
Aug. 10 — Cinderella, Warrant, Night Ranger
Aug. 12 — Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special, Shooter Jennings
Aug. 14 — Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu
Aug. 15 — Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton
Aug. 16 — Def Leppard
Aug. 17 — Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”

Java Joe’s Coffeehouse
214 Fourth St. Free
288-5282
http://www.javajoescoffeehouse.com
May 29 — Compass Financial Group
May 30 — Max Wellman Trio
June 2 — Ardent Gathering
June 3 — Nathaniel Seer
June 7 — Back Drop and Love Me Electric
June 13 — Josh and the Empty Pockets
June 17 — The Gypsy Nomads
June 25 — Isaac Hayden
June 27 — Michael Fugitt
June 27 — June Jam with Justin Willis
July 12 — Little Mojo

Jazz in July
Various metro locations
Throughout the month
http://www.metroarts.org

June Jam
June 1-30
Various locations throughout Central Iowa
June 5 — Not Home Yet (Jordan Creek), Plan to Pull Through (Pella street dance)
June 6 — Dance-a-Cross (Brenton Plaza), Gary Sobbing (Amici coffeehouse, Urbandale)
June 7 — Will Herron, Kelly Van Hemert, Justin Willis, Ken Smalley and Michelle Hoy (Timberline campground), Remnant Blues Band (Iowa Barnstormers pre-game), Rachel Henkle (Café Diem)
June 12 — Tempest Rose (Jordan Creek), New Life Band (Norwalk Aquatic Center)
June 13 — Rely on Christ (Brenton Plaza), Open Road (Blank Park Zoo), Austin Carlson and Stepford (Being There Coffeehouse)
June 14 — Tim Cooper and Friends (Adel Kinnick-Feller Park), Vance Lambert (Amici coffeehouse, downtown)
June 19 — Tina Haase Findlay or Remnant Blues Band (Jordan Creek), Not About Us (Adel Pool)
June 20 — Tim Aaron Band, Phil Harmonica (Brenton Plaza), Divine Intervention, 9th Hour, Michael Fugitt (Freedom for Youth), Andy Klindt (Smokey Row Coffeehouse, Oskaloosa)
June 21 — Earlham Battle of the Bands, Joyful Noise Band, Jefferson (Cutty’s Campground), Will Herron (Smokey Row Coffeehouse, Pella)
June 26 — Heidi Quist & Friends, Michelle Hoy & Ordinary People (Jordan Creek)
June 27 — Bright Light Parade, Hyland (Brenton Plaza), Tina Haase Findlay (Des Moines Arts Festival), Justin Willis (Java Joes Coffeehouse)
June 28 — Fraught, Jason Rich, Michael Fugitt, Plan to Pull Through 2nd (House of Bricks), Piercing the Darkness (Oskaloosa), Suz, Gwen, Lee (Friedrichs Coffeehouse, Urbandale), The Brotherhood (Altoona)
On Thiss Rock, Inner Rain, The Final Pardon, Danny Heggen (Wellspring Indianola Aquatic Center, Midwest ArtFest, Brenton Plaza Triathlete)

Lazerfest 2.0
Indianola Balloon Classic Field
July 5 — Stone Temple Pilots, Staind, Hinder, Filter, 10 Years, Five Finger Death Punch, Palmerston

Live at the Creek
Jordan Creek Town Center, West Des Moines
Sundays, 5 p.m. Free
http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com
June 29 — Dueling Pianos
July 6 — Final Mix
July 13 — Dueling Pianos
July 20 — Josh Davis Band
July 27 — Dueling Pianos
Aug. 3 — Hello Dave
Aug. 10 — Dueling Pianos
Aug. 17 — Tim Mahoney
Aug. 24 — Dueling Pianos
Aug. 31 — Flipside

Living History Blues Festival
Living History Farms
Urbandale
http://www.cibs.org
Aug. 30-31 — Acts TBA.

Main Street Concerts
Tom Evans Plaza, downtown Ames
Thursdays, 5-7:30 p.m. Free
(515) 233-3472
http://www.mainstreetculturaldistrict.com
May 29 — Danny Grause
June 5 — Burnin’ Sensations
June 12 — Mike Giles
June 19 — Isaac Norman
June 26 — BeJae Fleming
July 3 — Blue Moon Players
July 10 — Green Oaks
July 17 — Keith McCaulley
July 24 — Dan Ketterer
July 31 — Matt “Sweet Tater” TeRonde

Mars Café
2318 University Ave.
369-6277
http://www.myspace.com/marscafe
May 29 — John Statz
May 30 — Copernicus Jones
May 31 — Stephen Ites
June 2 — Scented Vinyl with Beati Paoli
June 3 — Why Make Clocks, Boxcutter
June 6 — Scott Allan Knost
June 7 — Aaron Mansfield
June 8 — Bruce Goldish
June 9 — Scented Vinyl with Maxilla Blue
June 12 — Josh and the Empty Pockets
June 13 — My Alumni and The Obstacles
June 14 — Vance Lambert and Namoli
June 15 — Jeannie Mayotte & JoAnn Riedl
June 19 — The Naked Station
June 20 — Steve Kasli
June 22 — The Courtney Janes
June 23 — Scented Vinyl with Lady Blue
June 26 — Post Historic
June 28 — Hanwell
June 29 — Jessica Robbins and Dan Carr
June 30 — Scented Vinyl with The Honeybees
July 3 — Jordan Anderson
July 7 — Scented Vinyl with Midwestern Remedy
July 11 — James Kelly
July 12 — Eliza Bue and Vanessa Torres
July 14 — Scented Vinyl with Talking Mountain
July 17 — Ryan and Jesse Dermody
July 19 — The Threes
July 26 — Lola Johnson
July 28 — Scented Vinyl with John Statz
Aug. 1 — Folk By Association
Aug. 2 — Why Make Clocks, Boxcutter
Aug. 3 — Scott Bravo
Aug. 7 — Chris Shanafelt
Aug. 10 — Emily Louise
Aug. 11 — Scented Vinyl with Soulever
Aug. 18 — Scented Vinyl with The Naked Station

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
Tama, (800) 728-4263
June 21 — Willie Nelson

The Mill
120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City
(319) 351-9529
http://www.icmill.com
May 30 — Dave Zollo & the Body Electric
May 31 — Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey
June 3 — Liberty Leg, Miracles of God
June 5 — Jascat
June 6 — Nifty Mountain Pow Wow
June 7 — The Pines
June 12 — The Mayflies
June 13 — Nikki Lunden
June 14 — Grooveship
June 15 — Wye Oak
June 20 — Billy Hoake and the Hoax
June 24 — Whitman
June 26 — Zibra Zibra
June 28 — The Salsa Band
July 3 — Sexual Buddha Allstars
July 5 — Public Property
July 7 — Dave Zollo & the Body Electric
July 24 — Funkmaster
July 25 — Dave Olson
Aug. 18 — Great Lake Swimmers

Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
LeClaire Park, Davenport, $18
(563) 322-5837
http://www.mvbs.org
July 3 — Kinsey Report, Elvin Bishop, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Otis Taylor and the Black Banjo Project
July 4 — Phil Guy, Jimmy Thackery, Koko Taylor, Paul Geremiah, Big Pete Pearson, Billy Boy Arnold with Jody Williams
July 5 — John Nemeth with Junior Watson, Denise LaSalle, Tinsley Ellis, Big George Brock, The Holmes Brothers

Mississippi Valley Fair
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport
(563) 326-5338
http://www.mvfair.com
July 29-Aug. 3 — Sugarland, Ted Nugent, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Darrel Worley, Ronnie Milsap

Music in the Junction
Railroad Park, Valley Junction
West Des Moines
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free
222-3642
http://www.valleyjunction.com
May 29 — Freestyle
June 5 — The Heartbeats
June 12 — The Soul Searchers
June 19 — Andy Schneider
June 26 — Haywire
July 3 — Independence Day Celebration with The Heartbeats
July 10 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns
July 17 — Likely Suspects
July 24 — Exit 113
July 31 — One Nite Stand
Aug. 7 — Jonny & the Rectifiers
Aug. 14 — Faculty Lounge
Aug. 21 — Hold On
Aug. 28 — The Legacy Band

Music Under the Stars
West steps, Capitol Building
Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Free
June 8 — Rob Lumbard, Des Moines Municipal Band
June 15 — Rod Biensen, DM Municipal Band
June 29 — The Rhythm Majors, 34th Army Band
July 6 — Tijuana Brass Tribute, DM Municipal Band
July 13 — Second Avenue Jazz Band, DM Municipal Band
July 20 — Veterans Jazz Band, Iowa Military Veterans Band
July 27 — Tropical Steel, Brass in Blue
Aug. 3 — Classic Jazz with Songs by Judi Brown, DM Municipal Band

Nitefall on the River
Simon Estes Amphitheater
Thursdays, 7 p.m. $8
237-1386
June 5 — Cornmeal
June 12 — Kelley Hunt
July 3 — Authentic Records Night
July 10 — Vanessa Carlton
July 17 — Matt Nathanson
July 24 — Walter Trout
July 31 — Gaelic Storm

The Picador
330 E. Washington St.
Iowa City
(319) 354-4788
http://www.thepicador.com
May 30 — You Me and Everyone We Know, Dropping Daylight
May 31 — Nihil Serph, Acceptable Level of Violence
June 2 — Buckethead, That One Guy
June 3 — Russian Circles, Daughters
June 7 — MC Chris, Age of Rockets
June 10 — Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise
June 11 — Roman Numerals
June 13 — Cobra Starship, We the Kings
June 14 — See You Next Tuesday
June 15 — The Whigs, Rosehill Drive
June 20 — Cotton Jones Basket Ride
June 27 — Wolf Eyes
June 29 — RTX
July 3 — Three Inches of Blood
July 16 — Bob Log III, Scott H. Biram
July 18 — The Horde Release Party
July 20 — Lower Class Brats, Time Sgain
July 24 — Shai Hulud, Full Blown Chaos
July 31 — Change of Pace, Houston Calls

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Altoona, Interstate 80, Exit 142
(800) 325-9015
http://www.prairiemeadows.com
June 13 — Tommy Tutone
July 20 — Heart
Aug. 7 — Wynonna

The Reverb
204 Main St., Cedar Falls
(319) 277-4404
http://www.thereverb.net
May 30 — Infandous
May 31 — The Teddy Boys
June 4 — Primer 55
June 13 — Tubring
June 21 — Give Away the Plot
July 26 — Wednesday 13

Rib America Festival
Iowa Events Center parking lot
Free or $4
http://www.iowaeventscenter.com
July 18 — Beatlemania Live!, Dennis DeYoung (performing the music of Styx)
July 19 — The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Marcia Ball, Cowboy Mouth, Hootie & the Blowfish
July 20 — Tab Benoit, Soul Asylum, Jonny Lang

Ritual Café
13th Street between Grand and Locust
288-4872
http://www.ritualcafe.com
May 29 — Kat Darling and Aaron Short
May 30 — Rachel Sage
May 31 — Gay in the Gateway 2008 with The Honeybees, Katie Sawicki, Brianna Lane, Mare Wakefield, Synthia Sanchez, Madison Cavalier
June 5 — Andrew Kem Trio
June 6 — Tubabu
June 7 — Strong Like Bear
June 13 — Steph Hayes, Chris Schutz, Namoli Brennet
June 19 — Mar McAdams
June 20 — Unknown Component
June 21 — 2nd Avenue Jazz Band
June 27 — Martine Locke
June 28 — Abi Tapia, Betty Soo
July 4 — Mind Flow
July 11 — Loren Depping
July 12 — Nicole Torres
July 18 — The Threes
July 23 — Eric Taylor, BeJae Fleming
July 25 — Lola Johnson
Aug. 2 — Karma
Aug. 9 — Paul Storm
Aug. 15 — Far Beyond Frail
Aug. 30 — Kitty Rose

River Music Experience
129 Main St., Davenport
(877) 326-1333
http://www.rivermusicexperience.com
May 30 — Parish Festival
May 31 — Mondo Drag
June 5 — Dirty Dozen Brass Band
June 6 — Bang Camaro
June 7 — Eargasm III
June 13 — Katalina
June 27 — Through Terror
July 12 — Andrew Landers
July 22 — Walter Trout
Aug. 1 — Alto Maiz

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Riverside, (319) 648-1234
http://www.riversidecasinoandresort.com
June 6 — Hotel California
June 13 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
June 20 — Mustang Sally
June 27 — Joe Nichols
July 4 — Ovation
July 11 — Herb Reed & the Platters, Gary Lewis & the Playboys
July 19 — REO Speedwagon
July 25 — Jason D. Williams
Aug. 1 — Eddie Butts Band
Aug. 15 — The Hitz
Aug. 29 — Final Mix
Aug. 31 — Randy Travis

Saturday in the Park
Grandview Park, Sioux City
(712) 277-2575
http://www.saturdayinthepark.com
July 5 — Phil Lesh & Friends, Janiva Magness, Snakebeard Jackson, The BoDeans, The Nadas, Umphrey’s McGee

Shooters Hideaway
6336 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights
270-3887
http://www.myspace.com/shootershideaway
May 30 — Otter and Fatty Geezer
May 31 — Rockin’ For the Youth Benefit Concert
June 6 — Fractal, Mind Asylum, Maxx Menagerie
June 7 — VooDoo 3
June 13 — Fatal Addiction, Rukus
June 14 — Smoking Blindfolded
June 20 — SNAFU, Truth Be Told
June 21 — Dave Thrift Band
June 22 — Million $ Reload, The Black Mollys
June 27 — Second Side, Freaklabel
June 28 — Misfit Toyz, Throwing Toast
July 4 — VooDoo 3
July 5 — Jade Lea, Brian Troster Band
July 11 — Fatal Addiction, Max Menageerie
July 12 — Common Disease of Swine
July 18 — Soulever, GearDown
July 19 — SNAFU, Lady Blue
July 25 — Carjack Lovers
July 26 — MindAsylum, Freaklabel
Aug. 1 — Truth Be Told
Aug. 2 — Sean Bright, The Evicted
Aug. 8 — Carjack Lovers
Aug. 9 — Common Disease of Swine
Aug. 15 — SNAFU, Mooseknuckle
Aug. 22 — Smoking Blindfolded
Aug. 23 — GearDown
Aug. 29 — Acubake System
Aug. 30 — Misfit Toyz

Stir Concert Cove
Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
One Harrah’s Blvd.
(888) 512-SHOW
http://www.harrahs.com
May 30 — B.B. King
June 1 — The Roots
June 21 — Clint Black
June 27 — Willie Nelson
July 3 — Kenny Wayne Shepherd
July 11 — Sammy Hagar & the Wabos
July 13 — Crosby, Stills & Nash
July 20 — Ween
July 21 — Pat Benatar with Neil Giraldo
Aug. 1 — G. Love & Special Sauce, The John Butler Trio
Aug. 2 — Los Lonely Boys & Los Lobos
Aug. 15 — The Black Crowes
Aug. 16 — Alice Cooper
Aug. 23 — Bonnie Raitt
Aug. 31 — Doobie Brothers

Summer Jam
Water Works Park
$30, $125
277-3727
http://www.kggosummerjam.com
June 28 — Bad Company former lead singer Brian Howe, Nazareth with Manny Charlton, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Bob Dorr and The Blue Band, Hat Trick Heroes

Summerset Winery & Inn
15101 Fairfax, Indianola
Free. 961-3545
http://www.summersetwine.com
May 30 — Fat Twosday
June 1 — Rod Chaffee Band
June 6 — Old School
June 8 — Ashanti
June 13 — Tony Valdez & Don Jaques
June 15 — Tony Valdez & the Retro Rockets
June 20 — Flying Silos
June 22 — Perry Weber & the Devilles
June 27 — Bill Martin Group
June 29 — Bob Pace Band with Steve George
July 4 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasfire Horns, The Soul Searchers
July 6 — Lady Blue
July 11 — Fat Twosday
July 13 — Tony Valdez Large Band
July 18 — Tony Valdez & Don Jaques
July 20 — Bunky Marlow Band
July 27 — Rev. Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys
Aug. 1 — Tony Valdez & Don Jaques
Aug. 3 — Rod Chaffee Band
Aug. 8 — Blues Bureau Trio
Aug. 10 — Ashanti
Aug. 15 — Old School
Aug. 17 — Freestyle
Aug. 22 — After Hours Band
Aug. 24 — Tony Valdez Large Band
Aug. 29 — Fat Twosday
Aug. 31 — Backstage Boogie Band

Sugar Grove Winery
6602 Ginger Ave., Newton
$5, (641) 787-9463
http://www.sugargrove.com
June 14 — 8-Track Band
June 28 — Ashanti
July 5 — Flatland Frank and the Flat Cats
July 19 — Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts
July 26 — World Port
Aug. 2 — Pro Musica
Aug. 16 — One Nite Stand
Aug. 23 — Bob Door and The Blue Band
Aug. 30 — Flatland Frank and The Flat Cats

Surf Ballroom
460 North Shore Dr., Clear Lake
(641) 357-6151
http://www.surfballroom.com
May 30 — Iowa Leisure Suit Convention featuring Christy Love & You Know Who
June 6 — Bernard Allison
June 13 — Barrelhouse Rockets
June 20 —Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult
June 29 — Surf’s 60th Anniversary Celebration with Jack Imel, Tiny Little Jr., Mary Lou Metzger and Dick Dale
July 10 — Aaron Tippin, Randy McAllister
July 25 — Marshall Tucker Band, George Satellites
Aug. 29 — Head East, Styx

Terrible’s Lakeside Casino
777 Casino Dr., Osceola
(877) 477-LAKE
http://www.terribleherbst.com
May 30-31 — Blackhawk
June 6-7 — Georgia Satellites
June 13 — Hotel California
June 19-20 — Bryan White
July 3 — Tanya Tucker

Thursday in the Park
Central Park, Grinnell
5 and 7:30 p.m. Free
(641) 236-1626
May 29 — Abi Tapia
June 5 — Grinnell Dixieland Band, Grinnell Community Band
June 12 — Truckstop Souvenir, Grinnell Community Band
June 19 — Highway Home, Grinnell Community Band
June 26 — Grinnell Community Band, Turlach Ur
July 3 — The Blue Band
July 10 — Latin Fiesta
July 17 — Route 66
July 24 — Joe and Vicki Price
July 31 — Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen
Aug. 7 — Monica Leo and Ron Hillis
Aug. 14 — Too Many Strings, Mike Gross and the Coyote Band
Aug. 21 — Daana and Susan Robinson
Aug. 28 — Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Horns

Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
223-6152
http://www.valairballroom.com
June 8 — Shinedown
June 29 — John Hiatt & the Ageless Beauties, Rob Lumbard
July 10 — Boys Like Girls
July 15 — Puddle of Mudd
July 21 — Ted Nugent
Aug. 7 — Flogging Molly

Vaudeville Mews
212 Fourth St.
243-3270
http://www.vaudevillemews.com
May 29 — SNAFU, The Worlds Tallest People
May 30 — Caustic Vision, Gallows Hill
May 30 — Horizon
May 31 — Poison Control Center, Slaughterhouse 6
May 31 — Poison Control Center, Tyborn Jig
June 1 — Too Pure to Die, With Blood Comes Claensing
June 4 — Leo Rondeau
June 5 — One for the Team, The Teddy Boys
June 6 — Red Ascension, Agony of Defeat
June 6 — Ephraim Zenh
June 7 — Still Ticking, Filth Grinder
June 7 — Dance Party USA: The Future
June 8 — The Dig Angees
June 9 — Krush Klamath
June 9 — The Vivian Girls
June 10 — The Fiery Furnaces, Grand Ole Party
June 11 — Xrepresentx, Knuckled Down
June 11 — Patrick Sweany, Hoots & Hellmouth
June 12 — The Botticellis, Christopher the Conquered
June 12 — The Belleville Outfit, Bob Tyler and the Reckless Hearts
June 13 — Richard Julian, Micah Dalton
June 13 — Qwel, Qwazaar, Silence

Zoo Brew
Blank Park Zoo
7401 S.W. 9th St.
http://www.blankparkzoo.com
July 2 — Swing Crew
July 9 — Flipside
July 16 — Adam Gregory
July 23 — Monkey, Monkey, Monkey
July 30 — Pianopalooza

DMMC to launch debut 80/35 festival

In what might be one of the anticipated local music events of the summer, the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition will host its inaugural 80/35 music festival July 4-5 in downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. The non-profit group has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and donations from corporations and charitable groups like the Des Moines Community Foundation to land headlining acts like The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Yonder Mountain String Band, Drive-By Truckers and Jakob Dylan. A number of Iowa bands like Radio Moscow, Mr. Baber’s Neighbors, The Envy Corps, Dirty Little rabbits, Maxilla Blue and Jade Reed will also perform.

The DMMC hopes that Des Moines, which is located at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, will be a stopping point for as many as 40 national and local bands as well as thousands of music fans who travel by the Capital City en route to larger destinations. “Many of the top live acts are playing theaters, ballrooms and festivals across the country and driving right through Des Moines, but don’t always stop. 80/35 is giving them a reason to stop,” said Amedeo Rossi, project manager for the DMMC, in a statement.

The festival will host 40 progressive acts performing on four stages — two main stages in a gated paid area and two free side stages. Both areas, officials say, will house interactive art, activities, vendors, resting places and food and beverage vendors. A fireworks display is planned for both nights and organizers are hoping to attract 15,000 people.

Advance tickets for the festival are $50 for two-day passes and $30 for single day passes. Prices increase $5 for each at the gate. For more information, visit http://www.80-35.com or http://www.desmoinesmc.com. — Michael Swanger

FILM

By Jared Curtis

The summertime is the right time for going to your local theater and getting lost in the outlandish popcorn flicks that Hollywood unleashes once the weather warms up. Forgot Oscar season with their drab period pieces and dramatic performances, summer is the time for blockbusters filled with big guns, big action and big heroes that save us from evil. The season started off with a bang thanks to the success of films like “Iron Man,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and the immortal archeologist Dr. Jones returning in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” But along with success comes failure. “Speed Racer” couldn’t finish the race thanks to terrible reviews, and Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher should have listened to the advice of “What Happens In Vegas” stays in Vegas. But even a couple of stinkers can’t stop the momentum of this summer, with big heroes. “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Dark Knight,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” and “Hancock”; standard summertime sequels “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” and “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” and America’s favorite film character, the slackers, “Step Brothers,” “The Rocker” and “Pineapple Express,” all coming to a screen near you. This looks like it could be a summer to remember. The following are 10 films I would recommend seeing this summer, followed by a complete list of films to be released during the next three months. Try to get out and enjoy nature once September rolls around.

“The Strangers”

May 30

Directed by Bryan Bertino, starring Scott Speedman, Liv Tyler, Kip Weeks and Glenn Howerton

Ever since Jason Voorhees appeared wearing a potato sack with one eye hole cut out in “Friday the 13th Part 2,” I have been scared of people with sacks/masks over their heads. Now, mind you, I’m not scared on Halloween, when neighborhoods are crawling with kids in masks. I’m talking driving down the highway, late at night, when suddenly on the side of the road a man with a mask tries to thumb a ride. That thought would be stuck in my nightmares, and after watching the trailer for “The Strangers,” I have been checking behind all the doors in my apartment when I come home from work. When three tormentors wearing masks (one wearing a sack!) trap a loving couple in their house with no escape, the chills start tingling down my spine. As Liv Tyler looks around for help, a sack wearing man appears and disappears behind her from the shadows without her noticing. Needless to say, I have been sleeping with the lights on ever since.
“The Mother of Tears”

June 6

Directed by Dario Argento, starring Asia Argento, Cristian Solimeno, Adam James and Moran Atias

Italian horror master Dario Argento returns with “The Mother of Tears,” the final film in his “Three Mothers” trilogy. Even though it has taken him more than 40 years to complete the work, “Susperia” (1977) and “Inferno” (1980), fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. Classic slasher films owe their livelihood to the Italian master; even icon George A. Romero (“Night of the Living Dead,” “Dawn of the Dead,” “The Crazies” and “Knightriders”) has credited Argento with creating stylish and violent tales of terror. For hardcore horror fans, this film is a must; for everyone else, be prepared to peek out of your hands as you’re hiding your face.

“The Incredible Hulk”

June 13

Directed by Louis Leterrier, starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt

Didn’t we just see this film a few years ago? Even though “Hulk” smashed into theaters in 2003, it kind of tanked. Marvel didn’t want to let such a good character go to waste, so they made Bruce Banner mad again. This version looks promising. Edward Norton is the man, and there is supposedly a cameo by one Tony Stark (Iron Man), tying the Marvel franchises together aligning the stars for a future Avengers movie (what’s up now Justice League?).

“Hancock”

July 2

Directed by Peter Berg, starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman and David Mattey

The trailer for this grumpy, drunk superhero film looks amazing. It’s about time we get a superhero who is pissed off that he has to work every day, never getting a break. Whether he is throwing a beached whale back into the ocean only to have it land on a sailboat or tossing mouthy kids’ miles into the sky, “Hancock” looks like it will deliver the laughs. Plus director Peter Berg has delivered an awesome action movie with a cocky hero before (“The Rundown”).

“The Wackness”

July 3

Directed by Jonathan Levine, starring Josh Peck, Ben Kingsley, Olivia Thirlby and Method Man

Let’s go back, way back to the summer of 1994 where a recent high school graduate gets high while peddling weed in New York City. He builds a strong relationship with his shrink (Kingsley), sharing knowledge and joints as well as meeting an amazing female (Thirlby). A winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival will keep the buzz about this film throughout the summer and onto DVD, where I imagine it will acquire cult status. Also, don’t miss Mary-Kate Olsen as a free loving hippie locking lips with old man Kingsley. Marijuana makes people do crazy things.

“Hellboy II: The Golden Army”

July 11

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Ron Pearlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones and James Dodd

The big red badass is back. This time he is fighting an evil elf that is forming an army of mythical creatures to take over the earth. With “Ghostbusters” not available, who you going to call? That’s right, Hellboy and his crew to the rescue. The first film was wild and crazy, and this sequel looks like it won’t disappoint. Del Toro’s films have gotten better each time and after “Pan’s Labyrinth,” he’ll have a tough act to follow. But that’s what he does best, stretching the viewer’s imagination and leaving them wanting more. If you need to find me, I’ll be waiting in line for “Hellboy III.”

“The Dark Knight”

July 18

Directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart and Michael Caine

After reinventing the franchise with “Batman Begins,” director Christopher Nolan returns with his revenge-filled superhero, protecting Gotham City from a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker. Everyone knows the tragedy of Ledger’s untimely death. But if there is any good to come out of it, it is his amazing portrayal of Batman’s nemesis. Industry buzz is already calling “The Dark Knight” the hit of the summer and maybe even a post mortem Oscar nomination for Ledger. He is that good. Add in Eckhart playing Harvey Dent (Two-Face), a new Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Morgan Freeman’s Lucius Fox creating amazing gadgets for the caped crusader, and this film could leave audiences and Batman fans to ask “Tim Burton, who?”

“Step Brothers”

July 25

Directed by Adam McKay, starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins.

I laugh out loud every time I see the poster for this film with Ferrell and Reilly wearing matching sweater vests posing for their JC Penney’s portrait. With a simple premise, two slacker adult males who both live with their parents have to learn to live together after their parents become an item, can only lead to side splitting laughs. Reteaming with director Adam McKay (“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”) can only mean good things. After discovering they both would have sex with John Stamos if they had to sleep with a man, Reilly ponders, “Did we just become best friends?” I think they did, and I know I’ll go see this movie.

“The Rocker”

Aug. 1

Directed by Peter Cattaneo, starring Rainn Wilson, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate and Josh Gad

Rainn Wilson, who plays the very conformist assistant to the regional manager Dwight Schrute on “The Office” each week, gets his first chance to lead a movie instead of playing second banana, and I hope he pulls it off. Wilson plays Robert “Fish” Fishman, a drummer who 20 years ago was kicked out of a metal band right before they became platinum selling megastars. Now a loser (is there any other type of failed musician holding on to the glory he never had?), “Fish” gets a second chance when his nephew’s high school emo band needs a drummer. Hilarity and devil horns ensue as “Fish” gets one more chance to “Shout at the Devil” and become a rock god.
“Pineapple Express”

Aug. 8

Directed by David Gordon Green, starring Seth Rogan, James Franco, Gary Cole and Rosie Perez

I just want you to know “Pineapple Express,” you had me at Aptow, Judd Aptow that is. The king of all things cool (“Freaks and Geeks,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Superbad,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), Aptow has had his hand (writer, director, producer) and funny bone in everything (13 projects) in the last three years. In “Pineapple Express” he returns as a producer with his cast of lovable losers. Rogen stars as a stoner who trolls through life working a crappy job just to make enough dough for that sweet cheba. Franco plays his longhaired dealer who just happens to come across some premium green, pineapple express. While taking a smoke break, Rogan sees a couple of corrupt cops commit a murder. They see him and the hunt is on. After grabbing the necessities, weed and fruit roll-ups, the two head out on an action adventure critics are calling “Cheech and Chong meets Die Hard.” Aptow could take a crap on a plate, and I would throw down my hard-earned money. There is no way I’m missing this film. What a perfect way to end the summer movie-going experience.

May 30

“Sex and the City: the Movie” (d. Michael Patrick King; with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis)

“The Strangers” (d. Bryan Bertino; with Scott Speedman, Liv Tyler and Kip Weeks)

“Saving Grace” (d. Tom Kalin; with Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne